The criticality of community engagement in Higher Education: it is reassuring to see a continued and growing interest by universities in this area on all levels – locally, nationally, and internationally.

For this University, Responsible Community Engagement is more than just window dressing. It is one of our strategic pillars – Goal Two of the UKZN Strategic Plan (2017-2021) to be exact, which aims to contribute to the prosperity and sustainability of KwaZulu-Natal and to nation-building by connecting and committing the entire University family to the communities we serve, in a manner that adds value and earns the people’s respect. It is in that breath that the University has committed itself and its resources to the common good of society which has seen a vast number of outreach programmes being managed by the University.

The projects range from HIV and AIDS, upgrading the skills of Science and Mathematics teachers, to food security and community tourism projects. Such partnerships not only contribute to the public good, but also benefit universities, and more so our students. Not only do these projects address societal challenges which universities are in a good position to challenge through our business of knowledge production, they prepare students to be responsible, engaged citizens; virtues that are so needed in a country marred by poverty and inequality.

We pride ourselves in seeing a great part of community enjoyment being driven by our academic departments through service learning which encompasses teaching, learning and research endeavours. An excellent and successful example of this is the Street Law programme run under the auspices of our School of Law. The programme aims to educate the public on their human and constitutional rights and is directed towards those who are the most vulnerable in our society by enabling them to become more legally aware and equipped with knowledge to defend their own rights.

Another shining example is that of Dr Msizi Mkhize, one of our “rockstars” who is passionate about teaching Maths and Accounting. Dr Mkhize – who began his teaching career in 1991 at Umlazi township’s Menzi High School where he introduced commercial subjects and helped learners get distinctions and a 100% pass rate in Grade 12 Accounting annually – hosts Maths shows at various schools and churches in KZN throughout the year and constantly amazes learners and teachers through his creative and innovative methods of demystifying mathematics.

While the primary responsibility of any university remains to its students, it is imperative that they not operate from an ivory tower. UKZN is located within two metros – a crucial part of history, geography and rich culture of our province. Most of our staff and students come from these communities and are proud to remain part of these vibrant communities. It is, therefore, vital that we work with our communities – through outreach programmes, community service, or engagement as we are essentially a part of them.

Community engagement must become one of the ways in which universities conduct the business of teaching and learning as well as research. For a sector that is tasked with so much responsibility, the fact that community engagement must become one of the principal purposes for existence is without question.

Let’s strive not only to challenge the boundaries of knowledge and research to address global challenges, but also to respond to the needs of society – promoting health, economic development, cultural understanding and social cohesion.